--- title: "Growatt SPF 5000 ES Lite Off-grid Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "Growatt SPF 5000 ES Lite 5 kW off-grid inverter. Specs: 1 MPPT, 500 V max DC input, 9.8 kg." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-spf-5000-es-lite" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # Growatt SPF 5000 ES Lite ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Growatt - **Model:** SPF 5000 ES Lite - **Series:** SPF 3500~5000 - **Rated AC power:** 5 kW - **Type:** Off-grid - **Phases:** Single-phase - **Battery port:** yes ## How it compares Compared against 362 inverters from 3 to 6 kW. Ranks are within that class. | Measure | This inverter | Class median | Standing | Rank in class | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | European efficiency | - | 97.2% | | | | MPPT trackers | 1 | 2 | Weak - bottom 7% | 222 | | Max DC input voltage | 500 V | 600 V | Weak - bottom 19% | 237 | | Weight per kW | 2.0 | 3.3 | Strong - top 10% | 36 | | Warranty | - | 5 yrs | | | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 5 kW - **Max apparent power:** 5.00 kVA - **Phases:** Single-phase - **Nominal AC voltage:** 230 V - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz ### PV input - **Max DC input power:** 6.00 kW - **Max DC voltage:** 500 V - **MPPT voltage range:** 120 to 450 V - **MPPT trackers:** 1 - **Max input current per MPPT:** 22.0 A ### Battery - **Battery port:** Yes - **Battery voltage:** 48 VDC - **Grid-forming:** Yes ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 125 × 280 × 435 mm - **Weight:** 9.8 kg - **Enclosure:** IP20 - **Operating temperature:** -10 to 55 °C - **Max humidity:** 95 % - **Max altitude:** 2000 m - **Installation:** Indoor only ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Wi-Fi, Display - **Protocols:** Optional WiFi/GPRS (remote monitoring) ### Pros - **Scalability through parallel processing up to 30 kW** - The SPF series supports parallel operation of up to 6 units (6 × 5 kW = 30 kW) without the need to replace the central inverter. This is a key advantage over the competition in the off-grid segment up to 5 kW, where expansion typically requires a migration to a different hardware platform. - **Flexible power and charging priorities** - The device allows for independent configuration of energy source priorities (PV first / battery first / utility first) and charging schedules, enabling precise optimization of self-consumption and battery cycle management without the need for an external controller. - **DC input up to 450 VDC, MPPT up to 80-100 A** - SPF 3500 ES accepts up to 80A of MPPT current, and SPF 5000 ES accepts up to 100A at a PV input voltage of 120-450 VDC. This allows for the connection of a PV array with a power of up to 6 kWp for the 5000 ES model, which is a common practice in off-grid installations - intentionally exceeding the inverter's capacity. - **Operation without a battery (battery-less mode)** - The SPF series can operate solely with PV, without an attached battery. This simplifies phased installations: the system starts as a standalone off-grid PV system, and the energy storage system can be added later without replacing the inverter. - **Remote WiFi/GPRS monitoring + ShineServer** - The built-in support for WiFi and GPRS modules (Shine Link) and integration with the Growatt ShineServer platform allow for real-time monitoring and reconfiguration of parameters. For residential and small commercial installations, this is a complete solution without the need for additional licenses. ### Cons - **Single MPPT - no panel splitting** - The series only features one MPPT tracker, which prevents the independent operation of arrays with different orientations or tilt angles. In installations with two arrays (e.g., east-west), performance losses of 5-15% compared to inverters with 2 MPPT trackers (e.g., Victron MultiPlus-II with an external SmartSolar MPPT) are unavoidable. - **Documented issues with parallel mode** - On the DIY Solar Power Forum (threads from 2021-2024), multiple instances of synchronization errors, protective shutdowns, and equipment damage were reported when operating 2+ SPF 5000 ES units in parallel. Growatt requires the presence of batteries to maintain synchronization; disconnecting the BMS can lead to phase displacement and activation of differential protection. - **Not classified as a Tier-1 bankable entity by BNEF** - Growatt is not listed on the BNEF Tier-1 bankable manufacturers list for inverters, which is a direct limitation for projects requiring external financing (leasing, investment loans). Competitors such as SMA and Fronius have this status, which translates into easier acceptance by banks and financial institutions. - **Standard warranty: 2 years** - The standard factory warranty is 2 years (extendable to 5 years for an additional fee). For comparison, Victron Energy offers a 5-year warranty standard, and SMA Sunny Island offers a 5-year warranty. A shorter standard warranty period increases the risk of service costs after the warranty expires, especially in critical applications (backup power for medical facilities, industrial sites). ## About this series Growatt SPF 3500-5000 is a **hybrid off-grid inverter**, designed for operation with a PV system, a battery, and optionally with the grid or a generator. In practice, this means reliable power supply for homes or off-grid facilities, as well as the construction of backup systems where uninterrupted operation and fast source switching are crucial. The model philosophy of SPF focuses on **flexible power supply and charging priorities** - you can set when energy should prioritize loads and when it should charge the storage, facilitating autarky optimization. The series uses **1 MPPT**, which performs well in simple setups with modules in one orientation, ensuring effective power tracking under varying sunlight conditions, though without the ability to handle different panel orientations. High efficiency in real European conditions translates to fewer losses in daily operation and higher energy yields during the transitional seasons. Remote monitoring via **WiFi or GPRS** and Growatt platform tools for monitoring and configuration are available. The devices are compatible with lithium and lead-acid batteries, and power scaling facilitates parallel operation. The series is primarily targeted at residential and small commercial installations, where energy independence and easy expansion are key, with certification and warranty considerations typically aligned with the distribution market. ## Questions ### How many Growatt SPF 3500~5000 units can be connected in parallel, and what is the total combined output power? The SPF 3500~5000 series supports parallel operation of up to 6 units simultaneously. This means that by combining six SPF 5000 inverters, a total single-phase output power of approximately 30 kW can be achieved. This flexible scalability allows the system to be expanded as energy demand grows without replacing the entire installation - simply adding another inverter is sufficient. ### Which battery types are compatible with the Growatt SPF 3500~5000 - can I use a lithium battery? Yes, the SPF 3500~5000 series supports both lithium-ion batteries (including LiFePO4 with BMS communication) and conventional lead-acid batteries (AGM, GEL). When used with lithium batteries, the inverter communicates with the BMS via a dedicated protocol, ensuring safe charge and discharge operation. Before purchasing a battery, it is advisable to verify that the battery manufacturer's BMS protocol is listed on Growatt's official compatibility list. ### How does the power priority configuration work on the Growatt SPF 3500~5000 - can I set the grid to charge the battery only at night? Yes, the SPF 3500~5000 series allows users to program power source and charging priorities. The user can select whether PV energy is directed first to loads, to the battery, or to the grid, and can also define the conditions under which a generator or the utility grid charges the battery bank. This makes it possible to schedule nighttime grid charging during off-peak tariff periods while maximizing self-consumption of PV energy during the day. ### Does the Growatt SPF 3500~5000 provide backup power during a grid outage, and how fast is the switchover? Yes, the SPF 3500~5000 series features a built-in UPS function with automatic source switchover. The transfer time is short enough that most sensitive household devices - such as routers, NAS systems, and basic home electronics - remain powered without interruption. In off-grid mode, the inverter operates independently of the utility grid, making it a solid choice for building a backup power system or a fully autonomous off-grid installation. ### What warranty does Growatt offer on the SPF 3500~5000 series, and is the brand reliable given that it is not a Tier 1 manufacturer? The standard manufacturer warranty for the SPF 3500~5000 series is 2 years, although local distributors may offer extended warranty terms. Growatt is a Chinese manufacturer that is not classified as Tier 1; however, the company ranks among the largest inverter suppliers in the world and maintains an extensive service network. Prior to purchase, it is recommended to confirm with the local distributor the availability of spare parts and the service response time in your region. ### Can the Growatt SPF 3500~5000 be monitored remotely via a mobile app, and what parameters can be controlled through it? Yes, the SPF 3500~5000 series supports remote monitoring via an optional Wi-Fi or GPRS module integrated with the Growatt ShinePhone platform. Through the app, users can track PV generation, battery state of charge (SoC), load power consumption, and the system's operational history. Remote modification of selected configuration parameters is also supported, eliminating the need for physical access to the inverter when performing routine system optimization. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/spf-3500-5000-es-lite-datasheet-en-202409-3059a9ea42c7.pdf) ## Alternatives | Inverter | Rated AC | Euro efficiency | MPPT | Weight | Difference | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Growatt SPF 5000 ES](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-spf-5000-es) | 5 kW | | 1 | 12.0 kg | 2.2 kg heavier | | [Growatt SPF 5000T DVM](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-spf-5000t-dvm) | 5 kW | | | 47.0 kg | 37.2 kg heavier | | [Growatt SPF 5000T DVM-MPV](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-spf-5000t-dvm-mpv) | 5 kW | | | 47.0 kg | 37.2 kg heavier | | [Growatt SPF 3500 ES Lite](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-spf-3500-es-lite) | 5 kW | | 1 | 9.2 kg | Similar on paper | | [Growatt SPF 5000TL HVM](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-spf-5000tl-hvm) | 5 kW | | | 11.5 kg | 1.7 kg heavier | | [Ginlong Solis S6-EO1P5K-48](https://comparepv.com/inverter/ginlong-solis-s6-eo1p5k-48) | 5 kW | | 1 | 13.8 kg | 4.0 kg heavier | | [Easun Power SMP-5KW](https://comparepv.com/inverter/easun-power-smp-5kw) | 5 kW | | | 12.0 kg | 2.2 kg heavier | | [Easun Power ISolar MLV-5KW-U](https://comparepv.com/inverter/easun-power-isolar-mlv-5kw-u) | 5 kW | | | | Similar on paper | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-spf-5000-es-lite